Automatic App Updates Not Working on iPhone? Fix

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iPhone automatic app updates not working? Well. In this article, I’ll explain exactly how you can troubleshoot if automatic app updates are not working properly on your iPhone or iPad.

It is important to keep your apps updated. Outdated apps may lead to several problems. For example, it may cause your iPhone to slow down or
crash, restart.
In addition, updating your iOS or iPadOS apps allows you to enjoy the latest features and improvements.

Automatic app updates is a handy feature. iOS and iPadOS app publishers regularly update their apps to add new features and resolve various bugs. And you can let iOS or iPadOS install these updates automatically.

You can either update the apps you have downloaded and installed from the App Store on your iOS or iPadOS device manually or automatically. Manual updates mean that you launch the App Store app to update your apps individually or collectively. However, if you want your apps to update automatically, you can turn on automatic downloads so you don’t have to keep checking for app updates. As such, iOS or iPadOS will update your apps and games automatically.

If you are running iOS 13 (or higher) or iPadOS 13 (or higher), automatic app updates are enabled by default. You can turn off automatic update feature however by heading to Settings > [your name] > iTunes & App Store. Then you may choose to turn on or turn off App Updates. When this is turned off, your iPhone or iPad will show the “Update All” option. In addition, the App Store icon will display a red badge to let you know there are updates available. As such, you can manually update your apps each time an update is released.

Some users have reported that app updates are not automatically installed even though automatic app updates are turned on. If your iPhone automatic app updates is not working,, then this troubleshooting guide is for you.

This troubleshooting guide explains how to fix this problem. The steps are listed in order. After trying each step below, check if your problem is fixed. Follow the steps below until your issue is resolved.

Before you dive in, it’s worth noting that your iPhone or iPad need to be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular network for automatic app update to work.

Solution #1. Check your settings

On your iPhone/iPad: head over to Settings > [your name] > iTunes & App Store. Under Automatic Downloads, make sure that the “Automatic Updates” option is Turned on.

If this setting is already turned on, turn it off, wait for a few seconds and turn it back on.

Another setting you need to check if it’s enabled is Cellular Data for Automatic Downloads. To do this: Head over to Settings > [your name] > iTunes & App Store. Locate the Cellular Data section and turn on Automatic Downloads.

And finally, there is an App Store cellular download limit. There is a possibility that automatic app updates may not work for some of your apps because they may be over this limit. Again head over to Settings > [your name] > iTunes & App Store > App Downloads. You’ll see three options in this screen:

  • Always Allow.
  • Ask If Over 200 MB.
  • Always Ask.

You may want to select Always Allow. However, be careful, particularly if you are on a limited data plan.

Solution #2. Update your iPad or iPhone

Please ensure that your iPhone or iPad is running the latest versions of iOS or iPadOS. Here is how you can do this:

  • On your iPhone or iPad, head over to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • If an update is available, download and install.

It’s also worth noting, just like the automatic app updates, there are also automatic iOS or iPadOS updates. You can turn this on by heading to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.

Solution #3. Check your device’s storage

Your device may have stopped updating apps automatically due to insufficient storage space on your iPhone or iPad. Make sure that your device has enough storage space To accommodate app updates.

On your iPhone or iPad: head over to Settings > General > [Device, iPhone or iPad] Storage. This screen will help you determine if your iPhone or iPad has enough storage space. You’ll also see a list of recommendations on this screen. If you need to free up storage space on your iPhone or iPad, consider following these recommendations. For instance, you can offload your unused apps, delete old photos or videos.

Solution #4. Check Apple System Status

Apple has a dedicated page that monitors its services. This page is known as Apple System Status page. This handy page allow users to check whether various Apple services are running or not, including the App Store, iCloud, Maps, FaceTime, etc.

There is a possibility your iPhone or iPad is having difficulties connecting to the App Store servers. Because Apple may be having issues with its services. This page is updated by Apple whenever an Apple service goes down. Here is how you can check:

  • Visit
    the System Status page.
  • Locate the app store from the list of services.
  • If you see a green dot next to it, there are no issues. If the dot is yellow, red, or orange, the Apple Store service is experiencing interruptions or downtime. If this is the case, simply wait, Apple will fix the issue as soon as possible.

Solution #5. Check date and time

Ensure that the date and time settings on your iPhone or iPad are set correctly. If the date and time settings are wrong, it may affect your App Store downloads. On your iPhone or iPad: head over to the Settings app and tap General, then tap Date & Time. If the date and time is wrong, then update it. You may also want to Enable the “Set Automatically” option.

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GeeksModo Staff is a team of iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch experts led by Moses Johnson. We're passionate about all things Apple!
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